Volunteer
Volunteer registrations and applications are currently closed.
The Volunteer Support Team is super excited to welcome you back to Tocumwal for our 15 year anniversary.
Event volunteers will work for a ticket in the following roles/departments including:
Welcoming committee - This position includes supporting traffic and bus facilitation upon ingress & egress as well as ticketing at the front gate across the festival.
Sustainability - Reducing our environmental impact is important to us. Roles may include working with the loo crew - stocking loo paper and sweeping out stalls or participating in the sustainability department;bin flipping and litter picking; sorting, cleaning and distribution in the wash against waste program.
Crowd Care - The crowd care program at SFF is called Strawberry Fielders. Volunteers are stationed throughout the campsites where they champion for ensuring everyone has a fun and safe time at the event. Responsibilities may include disseminating general event info, handing out rubbish bags, sunscreen and smiles, engaging with patrons, promoting safe partying and escalating to other onsite services where required.
Specialty Roles - If you are interested in being more involved at the event, participating during set up/pack down and have carpentry or other trade skills we may have a specialty role for you!
Event volunteers are asked to complete 2 x 4.5 hour shifts in exchange for their Volunteer Ticket to the festival. Set-up and pack-down participant exchange may vary and will be confirmed if you are a successful applicant, but is generally 2 x 8 hour days, before or after the event.
For more information please refer to the FAQs below and if your query has gone unanswered or you need further assistance please email volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au
IMPORTANT ENGAGEMENT DATES
Registration of Interest - TBC
Applications Open - TBC
Confirmations - TBC
It may take a couple of weeks for you to receive your confirmation - please be patient as we have had an overwhelming number of applications.
Roster Delivery - TBC
Your allocated role, shift times and other pre-event info will become available at this time
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VOLUNTEER FAQs
How do I apply to volunteer?
Applications will open on Date TBC, and will remain open until a time when all positions have been filled.
How many hours do I have to volunteer for?
Generally, we ask our Event Volunteers to complete 2 x 4.5-hour shifts in exchange for a ticket to the event, this includes camping and access to the event area.
Set-up and Pack-down Volunteers are asked to complete a minimum of 3 x 8-hour shifts in exchange for their time. This exchange is more involved as they do not give up any of their time during the event, and we want to engage people who are willing to be a part of the crew who build this amazing festival.
If you are a successful applicant, we will specify what exchange is on offer at the time of confirmation.
What volunteer roles are available?
Welcoming Committee (Ticketing, Traffic and Buses), Sustainability and Strawberry Fielder roles comprise the majority of volunteer positions we provide to support the event.
We have a limited number of speciality roles and cannot guarantee you will get your first preference nominated on your application form.
More information on the roles available can be found on the application form and detailed position descriptions will be provided if you are a successful applicant.
When do I find out if I have been accepted as a volunteer?
From Date TBC (ongoing weekly until all positions are filled) you will receive notification via email as to whether you have been accepted.
Applications will stay open until all positions have been filled.
How do I accept my volunteer position?
If you are accepted to volunteer, it will be confirmed what role you have been allocated. You will be asked to complete the Volunteer Acknowledgement process online, which confirms your position. Keep an eye out for the acceptance email (save us as a contact and check your junk/spam folder), as you are given a specific time window to complete the process. Outside this window, we cannot guarantee your spot as we may have filled your position with an awaiting applicant.
When do I find out what role and shift times I have been allocated?
Date TBC
A detailed position description for your role, your allocated shift times and arrival procedures will be made available at this time. Your allocated shifts will take into consideration the information provided in your application. If your circumstances have changed, please email the Volunteer Support Team at volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au with updated information you would like us to consider when allocating your shift times.
Do I need to provide my own tent?
Yes, Strawberry Fields is a BYO camping gear (tent, mat, sleeping bag etc.) event unless you wish to purchase additional Glamping packages (subject to availability).
Volunteers have access to the general camping area of the site.
Is there a volunteer camping area?
No, there is not a specific camping area for volunteers. Volunteers camp in the general camping area.
Do I get fed at the event?
As an event volunteer, we do not feed you during the festival. You will be given access to the Welfare Station, where you can make tea or coffee during your shifts - please BYO cup/mug. There are also food vendors onsite you can buy food from. Please familiarise yourself with the terms & conditions of entry and be aware that no naked flames (cookers or burners) can be brought to the event.
Food is provided to volunteer participants before and after the festival (set-up and pack-down volunteers) when food vendors are closed.
When do I get sent my volunteer ticket?
Your volunteer ticket will be sent to you within 2 weeks of the event.
Do I need to buy a ticket to volunteer?
No. Confirmed volunteers who have completed the Volunteer Acknowledgement to secure their position are sent a complimentary Volunteer Ticket before the event.
What if I’ve already bought a ticket to the event?
Once you have been confirmed as a volunteer, you can email the Volunteer Support Team at Volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au so they can advise your options for ticket refund/resale.
Do I have to be onsite at a specific time to volunteer?
The short answer is no.
We encourage everyone to be onsite a minimum of 3 hours before their first shift so that you have enough time to be processed by the front gate, find a camp spot and set up camp before signing on for your first shift.
You may arrive any time during the event (when gates are open), and if your first shift starts before gates open, the Volunteer Support Team will contact you to explain how early entry applies to you.
Please note: While the event is promoted to be 17-19 November, event volunteers may be allocated shifts on Thursday 16 November or Monday 20 November.
Can I come to the festival early?
For safety reasons, early arrival is issued ONLY to volunteers who need to be on-site to complete their shifts before the festival opens to patrons. Please make sure you buy the relevant vehicle pass.
If I have early entry and I’m driving with friends can they come in early too?
General ticket holders cannot enter the site before gates are open Friday at 12 pm unless they have purchased an Early Access Vehicle Pass. If you show up for your early entry volunteer position with friends who do not have early access they will be turned away until the festival is open to patrons.
Can I volunteer with my friends?
We will do our best to schedule you with friends who have provided the same unique group name.
But this cannot be guaranteed and should not be an expectation of volunteering. We also can’t attempt to roster you together if you don’t all use the same unique group name in your application.
Do I have a uniform?
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
You will be provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn during your shift and then returned at the end of your shift.
Be practical and sensible when packing for the festival. Look ahead at the forecast, bring warm things, layered things, water-proof things, sun-smart things, things with lights, a torch, snacks, a water bottle etc.
How do I sign on and off for my shifts?
Volunteers are asked to arrive 15 mins before their shift start time at Vollie HQ.
It is important to ensure you sign on and off for all your shifts at Vollie HQ to ensure you are not penalised for not meeting the Volunteer Acknowledgement; which is if you fail to complete your allocated shifts in exchange for entry into the festival.
We’re a friendly and approachable bunch and do not bite, in turn, we ask for your accountability and communication to remedy any problems as they emerge.
What should I bring to my shift?
This year Strawberry Fields takes place in November, where a variance of maximum and minimum temperatures is expected – you need to come prepared for all weather conditions and look after yourself!
We want your experience to be safe and stress-free! Please bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, a hat, a scarf or dust mask (festivals can be dusty), and lots of warm/wet weather gear for colder temperatures.
Don’t forget your positive mental attitude, the experience is what you make it!
What makes a good volunteer?
We love accountable, communicative, organised and easy-going volunteers who love teamwork!
We ask that all volunteers are organised and prepared and take responsibility for informing us of any issues or changes to their availability; these qualities help us navigate the dynamic experience of managing a festival.
A positive mental attitude and costumes are highly encouraged.
What is the Volunteer Acknowledgement?
The Volunteer Acknowledgement outlines the engagement and expectation of you as a confirmed participant. We utilise a payment gateway (Stripe) that securely stores your details until the successful completion of your allocated shifts.
A nominal, non-refundable fee is processed so that we have your details, and in the unlikely event you do not complete your shifts or break the terms & conditions of the event, or the Acknowledgement, you will be charged the full price of an event ticket plus a $100 administrative fee.
Please email the Volunteer Support Team at volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au for further info if you have any queries.
Is the $20 Volunteer Acknowledgement fee refundable if I can no longer volunteer?
No. Once you accept your position and pay the administrative fee, you are committing to your volunteer position, and as the fee covers the costs of processing you, we cannot offer refunds.
What if I miss my shift?
Participants must present to the Volunteer Support Team asap.
Failure to do so will result in the penalty fee (full price of ticket plus administration fee) as per the engagement agreement in the Volunteer Acknowledgement.
My email/phone/credit card details have changed. How can I update this?
Please email volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au ASAP to make sure you don’t miss any important info!
I want to talk to someone about my experience as a volunteer. Who can I contact?
If you feel comfortable talking to one of the Volunteer Staff please approach the INFO TENT during the event, and they can assist in organising a time for you to talk to a Manager.
If you wish to talk to somebody else, you can email info@strawberry-fields.com.au
For any post event feed-back, please email volunteers@strawberry-fields.com.au